The global olefins market is diverse and can be affected by a number of factors. Strong demand for each olefin and key derivatives continues, with propylene growth slightly above ethylene, while butadiene supply is structurally short. Growth is led by the global polymers industry, with rates above GDP-type performance, and the strongest growth in emerging countries.
But what factors are at play here, what risks might be involved, and how will you know what to look out for now and in the future?
With more than 125 combined years of global petrochemical experience, including more than 60 years directly in the olefins and polymers sector, Argus’ experts will help you determine what trends to track and how to stay competitive in today’s ever-changing global markets.
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Featured services
ARGUS Olefins Outlook
Get a 24-month rolling price forecast and future-facing analysis of global ethylene, propylene, and polymers supply and demand, trade flows, and inventory levels each month.
ARGUS Ethylene and Derivatives
Access leading ethylene and derivatives contract and spot benchmarks, global industry news, and analysis of key economic drivers on a weekly basis.
ARGUS Ethylene Analytics
Take advantage of comprehensive ethylene and derivatives data and forecasts, including capacities, trade, and supply/demand balances, plus long-term analysis and regular access to expert analysts.
ARGUS Propylene and Derivatives
Access leading propylene and derivatives contract and spot benchmarks, global industry news, and analysis of key economic drivers on a weekly basis.
ARGUS Propylene Analytics
Take advantage of comprehensive propylene and derivatives data and forecasts, including capacities, trade, and supply/demand balances, plus long-term analysis and regular access to expert analysts.
ARGUS NGL Americas
This service is invaluable to anyone looking for insights into the domestic industry and its related commodity-related news including olefins, crude oil and natural gas.
ARGUS Global Polyethylene
Argus Global Polyethylene is a weekly pricing service covering key grades such as LDPE, LLDPE and HDPE. Our reporters globally examine polymer pricing, cracker margins, production outages and freight weekly.
ARGUS Global Polypropylene
Argus Global Polypropylene is a weekly pricing service tracking key grades such as raffia, fibre and copolymer. The coverage spans feedstock propane and propylene to FMCGs.
ARGUS Global Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Argus Global PVC is a weekly pricing service containing the latest resin price assessments, supply dynamics and demand information combined in a detailed commentary of key PVC grades and market fundamentals.
ARGUS Recycled Polymers
Argus Recycled Polymers is a biweekly pricing service delivering spot price assessments for recycled PET, recycled polyethylene and recycled polypropylene, plus supply dynamics and demand information.
ARGUS Butadiene
Access leading butadiene contract and spot benchmarks, global industry news, and analysis of key economic drivers on a weekly basis.
ARGUS Butadiene Analytics
Take advantage of comprehensive butadiene data and forecasts, including capacities, trade, and supply/demand balances, plus long-term analysis and regular access to expert analysts.
ARGUS Butadiene Outlook
Get a 24-month rolling price forecast and future-facing analysis of global butadiene supply and demand, trade flows, and inventory levels each month.
ARGUS Polyethylene Outlook
Get a 24-month rolling price forecast and forward-looking analysis of global polyethylene supply and demand, trade flows and market dynamics.
ARGUS Polypropylene Outlook
Get a 24-month rolling price forecast and forward-looking analysis of global polypropylene supply and demand, trade flows and market dynamics.
ARGUS Olefins and Polymers Consulting Services
Improve your understanding of the ethylene, propylene, polymers and butadiene markets and devise strategies for success with tailor-made research performed by Argus’ in-house experts.
Key benefits
- Obtain independent insights: The Argus Consulting Services team builds from the latest market data to provide unique insight.
- Get local and global perspectives: We provide “boots on the ground” knowledge gathered through our extensive local and global network of more than 75 dedicated consultants with experience across multiple industry sectors.
- Utilise our end-to-end viewpoints: Our consultants track feedstocks (such as LPG, naphtha) and all key derivative products so that you have a completely integrated view of how your business fits into the marketplace.
- Data you can trust: Our forecasts are based on our comprehensive database of historical and current information and our daily engagement in the market. We do not purchase data, so our short- to long-term forecasts are more solid and dependable and are essential for quantifying investment risk for you.
- See scenario-based forecasts: We present you with scenario-based forecasts for supply, demand and market prices, so that investors can evaluate returns based on different potential future market directions. You also get to choose scenarios that you believe are most likely to occur.
- Find the answers you are looking for: Argus consultants advise you on how to formulate your strategies whenever and wherever you need it.
Key customisable features
- Market studies
- Price analysis and forecasting
- Supply, infrastructure and logistics strategy
- Investment and transaction support
- Policy and regulation
- Training
Global markets covered
- Ethylene
- Propylene
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
- Low-density polyethylene (LDPE)
- Linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)
- Polyethylene (PE)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Customers that benefit
- Corporations
- Government agencies/regulatory bodies
- Professional services
- Investors/private equity
- Trading organisations/financial services
Our olefins and polymers experts
Terry Glass
VP, Polymers
Michelle Klump
Polymers
Amy Strahan
US LPG and Petrochemicals Editor
Michael Camarda
Market Reporter, Petrochemicals
Joe Duffy
VP, Ethylene, Polymers and Derivatives
Sarah Rae
Propylene, Polymers and Derivatives
Alex Sands
Editor, European Petrochemicals
Becky Zhang
Editor, Olefins and Methanol, Argus
Cora Wang
Editor, Polymers, and Biofuels
Muhamad Fadhil
VP, Petrochemicals
Terry Glass
VP, Polymers
Terry Glass is VP, Polymers at Argus, focusing on the expansion of Polymer Report services in strategic regions. He has over 40 years’ experience relating to the plastics industry, working with converters, brand owners, and resin producers. Terry delivers an integrated view across the polymer value chain and analyses on a global basis including European, Americas and Asian markets. He is currently supporting polymer related growth initiatives, including domestic and export markets, recycling and sustainability initiatives. Before joining Argus, Terry worked at Dow Chemical, Braskem, and Sasol. He holds a Chemistry degree from the Uni...
Terry Glass is VP, Polymers at Argus, focusing on the expansion of Polymer Report services in strategic regions. He has over 40 years’ experience relating to the plastics industry, working with converters, brand owners, and resin producers. Terry delivers an integrated view across the polymer value chain and analyses on a global basis including European, Americas and Asian markets. He is currently supporting polymer related growth initiatives, including domestic and export markets, recycling and sustainability initiatives. Before joining Argus, Terry worked at Dow Chemical, Braskem, and Sasol. He holds a Chemistry degree from the University of Houston and 26 patents across a variety of market applications.
Michelle Klump
Polymers
Michelle Klump is US Polymers Editor, based in Houston. She covers the US polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene markets. She also oversees the global polymers report; contributes to other reports, including ethylene, propylene, and olefins reports; and assists with polymer balances for ethylene and propylene annuals. Prior to joining Argus in 2014, Michelle was the US Polymers Editor for ICIS. She also worked in journalism, writing for newspapers in Texas and Arkansas. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
Michelle Klump is US Polymers Editor, based in Houston. She covers the US polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene markets. She also oversees the global polymers report; contributes to other reports, including ethylene, propylene, and olefins reports; and assists with polymer balances for ethylene and propylene annuals. Prior to joining Argus in 2014, Michelle was the US Polymers Editor for ICIS. She also worked in journalism, writing for newspapers in Texas and Arkansas. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
Amy Strahan
US LPG and Petrochemicals Editor
Amy Strahan is editor of Argus’ daily NGL Americas report and edits daily and weekly reports on the olefins and aromatics markets. She currently covers the waterborne LPG market in the US and is a regular contributor to LPG World, Argus’ bi-monthly publication. She also has experience covering oilfield services and SEC regulation. Amy graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin.
Amy Strahan is editor of Argus’ daily NGL Americas report and edits daily and weekly reports on the olefins and aromatics markets. She currently covers the waterborne LPG market in the US and is a regular contributor to LPG World, Argus’ bi-monthly publication. She also has experience covering oilfield services and SEC regulation. Amy graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin.
Michael Camarda
Market Reporter, Petrochemicals
Michael Camarda is the market reporter for olefins at Argus. He writes daily reports on pricing and production issues and helps cover Canadian propane and butane. Before joining Argus, he was the associate director of the Energy Policy in Eurasia Program at the European University at St. Petersburg in Russia, where he also earned his MA in Russian energy policy.
Michael Camarda is the market reporter for olefins at Argus. He writes daily reports on pricing and production issues and helps cover Canadian propane and butane. Before joining Argus, he was the associate director of the Energy Policy in Eurasia Program at the European University at St. Petersburg in Russia, where he also earned his MA in Russian energy policy.
Joe Duffy
VP, Ethylene, Polymers and Derivatives
Joe Duffy is VP, Ethylene, Polymers and Derivatives, based in London. During his time with Argus, he has worked on a number of consultancy projects covering the structure of the European olefins markets, investment opportunities in the Middle East and the outlook for ethane imports to Europe. Joe has considerable knowledge and understanding of the European olefins market, having previously worked for ICI, Huntsman and most recently Sabic, where he was responsible for the business management of the company’s olefins business in Europe, before joining DeWitt, which was subsequently acquired by Argus. Joe graduated with honors with a de...
Joe Duffy is VP, Ethylene, Polymers and Derivatives, based in London. During his time with Argus, he has worked on a number of consultancy projects covering the structure of the European olefins markets, investment opportunities in the Middle East and the outlook for ethane imports to Europe. Joe has considerable knowledge and understanding of the European olefins market, having previously worked for ICI, Huntsman and most recently Sabic, where he was responsible for the business management of the company’s olefins business in Europe, before joining DeWitt, which was subsequently acquired by Argus. Joe graduated with honors with a degree in electrical and electronic engineering and has a PhD in optical engineering from the University of Glasgow.
Sarah Rae
Propylene, Polymers and Derivatives
Sarah is Argus DeWitt's propylene consultant focusing primarily on Europe and the Middle East. For 17 years prior to Argus DeWitt, Sarah held senior strategic purchasing management positions at Ineos, Tessenderlo Chemie and Rhodia, responsible for a wide range of materials including olefins, fertilizers and commodity raw materials. Before this, Sarah held various management and project roles covering most aspects of the chemical business including business management, sales, planning and logistics. She graduated with a degree in geology from Leicester University and her first job was working with BP in the company’s UK oil exploratio...
Sarah is Argus DeWitt's propylene consultant focusing primarily on Europe and the Middle East. For 17 years prior to Argus DeWitt, Sarah held senior strategic purchasing management positions at Ineos, Tessenderlo Chemie and Rhodia, responsible for a wide range of materials including olefins, fertilizers and commodity raw materials. Before this, Sarah held various management and project roles covering most aspects of the chemical business including business management, sales, planning and logistics. She graduated with a degree in geology from Leicester University and her first job was working with BP in the company’s UK oil exploration division.
Alex Sands
Editor, European Petrochemicals
Alex Sands is Editor, European Petrochemicals, based in London. He is responsible for the editorial team in London and writes the European section of the Argus Propylene and Derivatives report.
Prior to this, Alex spent seven years writing about the business of analytical chemistry and life science instrumentation before joining Argus. When he started at Argus, he wrote for and edited the Argus European Electricity report for six years, leading an expansion into the developing central and east European markets.
Alex graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in physics.
Alex Sands is Editor, European Petrochemicals, based in London. He is responsible for the editorial team in London and writes the European section of the Argus Propylene and Derivatives report.
Prior to this, Alex spent seven years writing about the business of analytical chemistry and life science instrumentation before joining Argus. When he started at Argus, he wrote for and edited the Argus European Electricity report for six years, leading an expansion into the developing central and east European markets.
Alex graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in physics.
Becky Zhang
Editor, Olefins and Methanol, Argus
Becky Zhang works for Argus in a role of Asia petrochemical analyst, mainly covering Asia’s olefins and methanol markets. She has over ten years of real-time market editor work, familiar with chemical market dynamics particularly on China market and has wide industrial networks. She has also spent two years particularly in consulting service as a project manager focusing on China market and led projects in various industries, including refinery, olefins, polymers, coal and methanol. Becky is also a regular presenter at olefins and methanol conferences and forums.
Becky is a chemical engineering graduate from East China University ...
Becky Zhang works for Argus in a role of Asia petrochemical analyst, mainly covering Asia’s olefins and methanol markets. She has over ten years of real-time market editor work, familiar with chemical market dynamics particularly on China market and has wide industrial networks. She has also spent two years particularly in consulting service as a project manager focusing on China market and led projects in various industries, including refinery, olefins, polymers, coal and methanol. Becky is also a regular presenter at olefins and methanol conferences and forums.
Becky is a chemical engineering graduate from East China University of Science and Technology, and holds two masters’ degrees in Environmental and Energy Engineering from the University of Sheffield (2001-2002) and Entrepreneurship from the University of Nottingham (2002-2003).
Cora Wang
Editor, Polymers, and Biofuels
Cora Wang is an editor for Polymers and Biofuels, based in Shanghai. She covers the Chinese olefins, polymers, and biofuels markets and assists with single-client studies related to those fields.
Before joining Argus, Cora was in charge of the polypropylene market at Lotte Chemical.
Cora has a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from East China University of Science and Technology.
Cora Wang is an editor for Polymers and Biofuels, based in Shanghai. She covers the Chinese olefins, polymers, and biofuels markets and assists with single-client studies related to those fields.
Before joining Argus, Cora was in charge of the polypropylene market at Lotte Chemical.
Cora has a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from East China University of Science and Technology.
Muhamad Fadhil
VP, Petrochemicals
Muhamad Fadhil is responsible for petrochemical business development in Asia and the Middle East for Argus. Before joining Argus, Fadhil was Head of Middle East Markets for ICIS, based in Dubai, where he led regional market engagement and strategy. He also previously worked for Channel NewsAsia, Hill & Associates Risk Consulting and the O&S Group of Companies. Fadhil holds a master’s degree from the National University of Singapore and a bachelor’s degree from the University of London.
Muhamad Fadhil is responsible for petrochemical business development in Asia and the Middle East for Argus. Before joining Argus, Fadhil was Head of Middle East Markets for ICIS, based in Dubai, where he led regional market engagement and strategy. He also previously worked for Channel NewsAsia, Hill & Associates Risk Consulting and the O&S Group of Companies. Fadhil holds a master’s degree from the National University of Singapore and a bachelor’s degree from the University of London.
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